Topic: Jaguar C type 1952 - the "Kettle" cars

[lynxd67]

I am now revealing for the first time a project that has been close to my heart for a couple of years now and that is to recreate one of the above cars. Most people know what a C type Jaguar looks like but few people know the ill fated histoy of 1952 when Jaguar reclothed the cars in a new streamlined body. Unfortunately, they hadn't properly tested the cars and while aerodynamic the cars overheated and all three retired quite quickly with engine failure. Subsequently two cars were scrapped and only one chassis number exists but reclothed in a traditional C type bodyshell. Ten years back Chris Rea had rebuilt a copy of the shark nose Ferrari because one no longer existed, and now I am planning, if possible, to recreate one of these unknown and non existent cars. If anyone has any photos or can point me in the direction of a source, especially the underbonnet (hood to you americans) layout I'd be grateful. Here are two photos taken at Le Mans in 1952:-





Incidentally, the cars are called the "Kettle" cars not because they overheated (well, that too) but because of all things the bodywork was designed at Jaguar by a certain Roy Kettle. Prophetic. Here is a photo of the shark nose Ferrari with Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel which I took at Silverstone in 1996.

[MG]

I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable about Jag-u-ars, but I confess I have never heard of these.

If you have the time, resources and talent to undertake such a worthy endeavor, I say, good on ya, mate!   

[Allan L]

Someone like Paul Skilleter might be helpful. He included an underbonnet photo of a 1952 C in his (1975) book "jaguar Sports Cars"

[lynxd67]

The underbonnet of a C type is well known, be it the 1951 twin SU layout or the bonnet scooped triple Weber 1953 car, but the 52 car was very different with the radiator header tank against the scuttle because of lack of space. Even Jaguar don't have that photo and I am desperately trying to find one somewhere. The two photos above I got here at Le Mans and Jaguar had never seen those either. Thanks though for the advice. I am also going to talk to Jim Patten and Philip Porter plus, when I see him in a couple of weeks Norman Dewis.

[Allan L]

The underbonnet of a C type is well known, be it the 1951 twin SU layout or the bonnet scooped triple Weber 1953 car, but the 52 car was very different with the radiator header tank against the scuttle because of lack of space.

That's the photo in PS's book. Have you not got that book?
I did say 1952!

[lynxd67]

Er - my round I believe! The book is in the UK in my other house and I haven't looked at it in a while. Thank you for the info - I'll look it out!